Community Compost Education Project

Abstract

Unnecessary pesticide use not only increases human exposure but also increases potential impact on ground water quality. Consumers using IPM practices and compost as a soil amendment can decrease pesticide use. Compost can improve growing conditions for plants (plants that grow well are less susceptible to insect pests) as well as improve soil nutrient and water holding capacity reducing potential runoff so fertilizers and pesticides are less likely to end up in lakes and streams.